How can Acts 15:25 guide church leadership in resolving doctrinal disputes today? The Text at the Center “ It seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul.” (Acts 15:25) The Setting in Brief • Jerusalem Council confronted a sharp doctrinal dispute over circumcision and Gentile inclusion (Acts 15:1–6). • After discussion, prayer, and Scripture examination, the apostles and elders reached “one accord” and issued a unified decision (Acts 15:7–22). • They embodied their agreement by sending an official delegation—trusted, proven men—to communicate the ruling to the wider church. Core Principles Leaders Can Draw Today • Unified conviction precedes official pronouncement – “having come to one accord.” • Consensus grows out of Scripture-anchored discussion, not personal preference (Acts 15:15–18; cf. 2 Timothy 3:16). • Qualified representatives carry doctrinal decisions to the body – “choose men and send them.” • Honor and affection mark leadership tone – “our beloved Barnabas and Paul.” • Decisions aim at edifying the whole church, not protecting a faction (Ephesians 4:3,13). Practical Steps for Resolving Doctrinal Disputes 1. Gather elders and teachers committed to biblical authority. 2. Lay the matter on the table with open Bibles, inviting thorough discussion (Proverbs 18:13). 3. Weigh testimony of missionaries and practitioners already laboring in the disputed field (Acts 15:12). 4. Test conclusions against clear Scriptural teaching; reject anything that cannot stand (Acts 15:15; Galatians 1:8). 5. Pursue genuine Spirit-wrought accord, not a vote that leaves consciences divided (Acts 15:28; Philippians 2:2). 6. Commission trusted messengers to communicate the final decision plainly and pastorally (1 Corinthians 4:17). 7. Stand behind the decision together, modeling mutual respect before the congregation (Hebrews 13:17). Supplementary Scriptural Anchors • Acts 15:28 – “For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us…” • 1 Corinthians 1:10 – “I appeal to you… that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you.” • Titus 1:9 – “holding to the faithful word as taught, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it.” • James 3:17 – “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable…” • 2 Timothy 2:15 – “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God… accurately handling the word of truth.” Why Acts 15:25 Still Directs Us The verse anchors doctrinal resolution in (1) unified conviction, (2) scriptural fidelity, (3) transparent communication, and (4) relational warmth. When leadership follows this pattern, local churches today can navigate controversy with clarity, charity, and confidence that their decisions align with the unchanging Word of God. |
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